Former Liverpool and Tottenham striker Ronnie Rosenthal has emerged as the middle man in Newcastle's bid to bring one of Belgian football's most talked-about players to Tyneside.

The former Israel international met Bobby Robson last week to discuss Nzelo Lembi's possible transfer to St James's Park and the two agreed to come together again later this month.

In the meantime, United are continuing to track the Congo international's progress with a view to completing a &#xA3;4m deal early next month.

The Magpies were present at Bruges' 2-1 victory over La Louviere on Sunday and Newcastle's representative saw the versatile 26-year-old turn in a useful performance at centre-half.

"The two clubs are involved in preliminary discussions at the moment and United have not come forward with a concrete proposal as of yet," revealed a source close to French-speaking Lembi.

"Bobby Robson was represented for the second successive week at Bruges' fixture and I understand Newcastle will watch Nzelo for the next few weeks.

"Ronnie Rosenthal is dealing directly with Mr Robson and we expect something to be resolved towards the end of the month."

Robson has already suggested that Lembi is the missing piece in his Newcastle jigsaw and the former England manager sees the left-footed player as a long-term replacement for Robert Lee.

Certainly United missed Lee's defensive qualities in the second half against Manchester United on Saturday and the Magpies' boss wants a further player to compete with Clarence Acu&ntilde;a, Gary Speed and Christian Bassedas for a central midfield berth.

Rosenthal has maintained strong links with the Belgian game following spells with Bruges and Standard Liege in the mid-80s and now acts on behalf of a number of players keen to move to England.

The 37-year-old played more than 70 league games for Liverpool but was never a regular during his time at Anfield and finally moved to White Hart Lane in 1993. That move was dogged by injury and a loss of form but the former striker still has a home in England and he is a regular visitor to Premiership clubs in his role as a consultant for several European-based agents.

Lembi was recommended to Newcastle by Rosenthal several weeks ago and Robson already feels the 27-times- capped Belgian passport-holder could do a good job for United.

However, the Magpies' boss tracked French sensation Laurent Robert for almost two years before he finally agreed to pay &#xA3;9.5m for the left winger and he will not be rushed into a decision on a player who has played all his professional life in one of Europe's less prestigious leagues.

Lembi wants to leave Bruges following six seasons with the club, but his manager and chairman are reluctant to sell their prize asset at any price. A further complication is that Bruges currently lead the Belgian league and there is pressure on Lembi to lead his side into the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Lee expects to recover from the kick in the kidneys he received from Roy Keane in time to face boyhood heroes West Ham on Sunday.

The 34-year-old failed to reappear for the second half after deceiving Fabien Barthez to claim the home side's second, after he was ordered to rest by the Magpies' medical staff.

However, Lee should be fit for the weekend and he admitted: "I'll be back in training as soon as possible."

Newcastle will travel to Barnsley on Tuesday, October 9, for their Worthington Cup third round tie.